Galvanic Coupling Testbed for Sound Card-Based Intra-Body Communication Links

Abstract

Abstract: By enabling in-place and real-time monitoring in daily life, intra-body communication (IBC) is a cutting-edge vital research topic that will promote customized treatment. In this study, data transmission over intra-body networks is accomplished using the energy-efficient galvanic coupling (GC) technique. Two standard PCs with sound card support and Matlab software are used to create a novel sound card-based GC testbed with the following key features: (i) low equipment requirements; (ii) high flexibility; (iii) real-time physiological data transmissions; and (iv) nearly error-free communication thanks to the development of specific physical (PHY) layer technology. Additionally, a signal to noise ratio (SNR) computation is suggested, serving as both a frequency offset compensation method and a statistic to assess the proposed design. The created GC testbed might be quickly copied by the interested research community to do simulation, encouraging more study in this area.